CJ vs Vass

[intfxdx]

How are CJ shoes compared to Vass ? The prices are similar (Vass being a little bit expensive), what about quality ?

 

[alliswell]

Vass are more substantial in material and construction. C&J are relatively lightweight.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

C&J handgrade are more to the standards of Vass as far as finishing is concerned, but still not constructed as well. Vass has a welt that is stitched directly to the insole, while C&J's welt is stitched to canvas gemming.

 

[forex]

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

C&J handgrade are more to the standards of Vass as far as finishing is concerned, but still not constructed as well. Vass has a welt that is stitched directly to the insole, while C&J's welt is stitched to canvas gemming.

 

[tim_horton]

I wish Vass were sold at brick and mortar shops in the USA... I'd love to check them out in person. Granted, I'm not as picky as many - to me, the level of handgrade C&J is as much quality as I'll ever need. But I do hear consistently on SF that Vass are a bit nicer.

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

...

 

[isshinryu101]

C&J makes a very nice and solid shoe. That said, the Vass is far superior.

 

[Slewfoot]

Originally Posted by isshinryu101

C&J makes a very nice and solid shoe. That said, the Vass is far superior.

+1

 

[Knowledge is King]

Better question is where are you going to get the Vass shoes? I know there was a time when Bergdorf had them but that was a long time ago. For those Americans who haven't tried them on before, do you just buy Vass blind over the internet?

 

[clee1982]

Originally Posted by Knowledge is King

Better question is where are you going to get the Vass shoes? I know there was a time when Bergdorf had them but that was a long time ago. For those Americans who haven't tried them on before, do you just buy Vass blind over the internet?

that's what many do. Can't try Vass in London either, that's why in the end I decide to just pay more buy EG instead of trial and error with Vass. Though their price is indeed attractive.

 

[OyezDC]

Originally Posted by Knowledge is King

Better question is where are you going to get the Vass shoes? I know there was a time when Bergdorf had them but that was a long time ago. For those Americans who haven't tried them on before, do you just buy Vass blind over the internet?

Yes.

Start with a more conventional style/last (eg, Old English, F last). Should be easy enough to sell on B&S if it doesn't fit you perfectly.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by OyezDC

Yes.

Start with a more conventional style/last (eg, Old English, F last). Should be easy enough to sell on B&S if it doesn't fit you perfectly.

+ compare with your best fitting shoe, learn to take your own measurements and learn to compare lasts. seriously, it's not rocket science.

 

[countbaron]

Vass v CJ with no further qualification is a nonsensical question. No one will argue that CJ benchgrades are anyway near, and even the handgrades have a totally different approach - i.e. lighter construction, wider range of tones, etc

What I think is a meaningful question is Vass vs Bally Scribes.

I don’t have any VASSes due to availability issues but I have two pairs of (double soled) Charles Scribes (different colours) which I much appreciate

From the pictures they seem to be shoes of comparable heftiness, what about the rest?

 

[teddieriley]

Originally Posted by isshinryu101

C&J makes a very nice and solid shoe. That said, the Vass is far superior.

Perhaps to some extent. OP, as you know, most people who are unable to try Vass on in person have had a hell of a time figuring sizing and fit of the lasts. If you're happy with the fit, construction and selection of C&Js, I'd say you're set. Out of all the shoes I have, the ones I have used the most as being versatile and which have held up quite well are my C&J Cliffords on the 337 last in tan. The Vass, are of course, nicer to behold, if you're one to appreciate the craftsmanship. My mid-brown suedes on the F-last have become one of my favs.

 

[aon]

Originally Posted by countbaron

Vass v CJ with no further qualification is a nonsensical question. No one will argue that CJ benchgrades are anyway near, and even the handgrades have a totally different approach - i.e. lighter construction, wider range of tones, etc

What I think is a meaningful question is Vass vs Bally Scribes.

I don't have any VASSes due to availability issues but I have two pairs of (double soled) Charles Scribes (different colours) which I much appreciate

From the pictures they seem to be shoes of comparable heftiness, what about the rest?

I have both Vass and Bally Scribe, both with double soles. The Scribe has a better finish and uses much thicker leather. Also, the seams have triple stitching. However, the Vass has a nicer shape and looks more elegant overall.